Nanobiologic-regulation of trained immunity

Nanobiologic-regulation of trained immunity

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute

Research topic

Our research team develops nanobiologics, based on high-density lipoprotein (HDL), that effectively target myeloid cells (monocytes and macrophages) in atherosclerotic plaques, tumors and hematopoietic organs. Using innovative microfluidics technology, we can generate HDL mimetics that vary in shape, size, composition and function, allowing the establishment of a so-called nanobiologic library. HDL nanobiologics from this library can be designed to contain surface payloads, such as pathogen-associated molecular patterns, or core payloads, including epigenetics inhibitors.

Using this strategy, we have developed myeloid cell-specific nanobiologics that either promote or inhibit epigenetic modifications associated with trained immunity.

In mouse models, we have shown nanobiologics’ ability to promote or inhibit trained immunity. Activation of trained immunity, if presented as a host defense mechanism against malignancies, can have unprecedented real-life benefits for treating cancer. Contrastingly, induction of immune tolerance is highly desired in allograft transplantation to prevent rejection, or to treat autoimmune diseases.